Cypress-based Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. has filed a formal unfair trade practices complaint before the U.S. International Trade Commission against 22 manufacturers, importers and sellers of passenger and light truck tires.

Toyo alleges these entities "have engaged in unfair trade practices by importing into and/or selling within the United States, tires that infringe eight U.S. design patents held by Toyo," according to a company statement.

Toyo, which also markets and sells tires under the Nitto brand, "is taking this step to protect the company, its customers and associates from unfair competition by enforcing its intellectual property rights," reads the statement (via City News Service).

Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas is the wholly owned North American subsidiary of Toyo Tire Rubber Co. Ltd. of Osaka, Japan.